Position statement of the Polish Academy of Sciences Committee Human Nutrition Science on the principles for the nutrition of children aged 1-3 years.

Abstract

The Position Statement on the principles of nutrition for children aged 1-3 years emphasizes that proper nutritionof children at this age determines their optimal psychometric development and has beneficial effects on the processnutritional programming, which reduces the risk of diet-related diseases in adulthood. Continued breastfeeding in thepost-infancy period, together with the proper introduction of complementary foods, supplies all the nutritional needs ofthe child. A varied selection of food products is important to balance out the diet of a child in the context of energy andnutrient needs. Attention should be paid to products not recommended for frequent consumption, due to the possibility ofthe early development of improper eating habits that can lead to undesirable health consequences. Due to the potential riskof deficiency, adequate intake of iron, iodine, calcium and vitamin D, as well as of n-3 PUFAs (which is often insufficient)should be provided. Adequate dietary energy and protein intake protects children against protein-energy undernutritionand is crucial for their proper growth and development. An important element in the assessment of the development ofchildren involves monitoring their nutritional status and physical development by systematically measuring their bodyweight and length/height and analyzing their weight gain. It is necessary to diagnose the causes of being underweight/overweight in children. Physical activity (such as outdoor walks, plays, and games) and healthy sleep hygiene arerecommended. Physical activity, an adequate number of hours of sleep, and the quality of sleep in early childhood mayimprove immunity, reduce the risk of excessive weight gain, and consequently reduce the risk of obesity later in life. Other issues discussed include the functioning of the digestive system as one of the determinants of the nutrition ofyoung children, basics of proper nutrition, risk of nutrient deficiencies and development of proper eating habits in earlychildhood.